BMW M GmbH introduces the M8 Coupe and Convertible, the new top performance models in the M brand’s lineup. Available in standard and Competition variants, these new M cars take the proven M5 and M5 Competition near-supercar capabilities to an even higher level while offering all of the luxury and styling that the 8 Series has to offer. The launch of the new M8 is unique in that the race car made its appearance almost two years before the production street versions will be available in showrooms. In those past two years of testing and racing in the IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship, the BMW M8 GTE collected three victories, including the prestigious 24 Hours of Daytona, four additional podium finishes and three pole positions. A very solid foundation for the pinnacle model in BMW M GmbH’s portfolio.

Pricing for the new 2020 M8 Coupe is $133,000 and $146,000 for the M8 Competition Coupe. The 2020 M8 Convertible MSRP is $142,500 and $155,500 for the M8 Competition Convertible. Pricing does not include $995 Destination.

The high-revving (7,200 rpm redline) 4.4 liter S63 M TwinPower Turbo V8 produces 600 hp

@ 6,000 rpm and 553 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800 – 5,700 rpm in the M8 Coupe and Convertible while the M8 Competition models feature an uprated power unit producing 617 hp @ 6,000 rpm and 553 lb-ft @ 1,800 – 5,860 rpm.

The engine features two-turbochargers, cross-bank exhaust manifolds, direct injection and upgraded cooling and oil supply. The turbochargers are positioned within the V of the engine block to help improve thermal efficiency and response. The cross-bank exhaust manifolds improve turbocharger and throttle response by reducing the distance the exhaust gases need to flow to reach the turbochargers. The direct fuel injection operates at a very high 350 bar (5,076 psi) ensuring ultra-fine fuel atomization for improved power and efficiency. Water-to-air intercooling helps reduce the temperature of the incoming air charge for improved power.

The advanced cooling system is composed of two separate water circuits, one for the intercoolers and one for the engine and turbochargers. An electric cooling pump ensures that the turbochargers receive sufficient coolant flow even after the engine has been turned off. An additional engine oil cooler and transmission oil cooler ensure the new BMW M8 is capable of standing up to the higher thermal demands of track driving. The oil supply system has been upgraded with a secondary front chamber in the oil pan which is accessed by a map-controlled oil suction pump to insure effective oil supply during extreme lateral and longitudinal forces such as cornering and acceleration.

The Competition models feature unique tuning which not only produces more horsepower but also increases the band at which maximum torque is produced by 160 rpm. The engine mounts on these models are more rigid compared to the BMW M8 for improved power transmission throughout the driveline and for more immediate turn-in during cornering. The Competition models are also equipped with the M Sport exhaust which enhances the sound emanating from the two twin 100 mm exhaust tips even further beyond the selectable sound of the M8.  An M Sound Control button in the center console allows the driver to select the exhaust note which suits their desire.

The power and torque of the most powerful production engines ever made by BMW M GmbH allow the BMW M8 Coupe to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds and the M8 Competition Coupe to accomplish the sprint in 3.0 seconds. The M8 Convertible reaches 60 mph from a standstill in 3.2 seconds and the M8 Competition Convertible equals the Coupe’s time of 3.1 seconds.

All four M8 models have an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph which can be increased to 189 mph with the optional M Driver’s Package.  Besides the increased top speed, the M Driver’s Package also includes a voucher for M School driver training at one of the two BMW Performance Center driving schools, either in Spartanburg, SC or Thermal, CA.

The functional details of the new BMW M8 Coupe and Convertible support the performance capabilities of the new cars as much as they lend themselves to the aggressive and beautiful design. Large openings in the front bumper support increased engine, transmission and brake cooling requirements while also imparting an aggressive visual to the newest M vehicles.

The kidney grille and side gills are finished in Black Chrome while the mirror caps, rear spoiler and rear diffuser are finished in High-Gloss black.  Flanking the BMW kidney grille are standard Icon Adaptive LED headlights with Laserlight.

The M8 Coupes and Competition Coupes are equipped with a standard Carbon Fiber roof to further reduce weight from the highest point of the car and lower the M8’s center of gravity. The M8 Convertibles and M8 Competition Convertibles are equipped with a multi-layer insulated fabric soft top which is able to retract in 15 seconds at up to 30 mph while also reducing weight and lowering the center of gravity of the open top M models for improved handling.

Exterior paint finishes for all M8 models include non-metallic Alpine White and a choice of seven metallic and four Individual colors. Metallic paints include: Black Sapphire metallic, Brands Hatch Grey metallic, Sonic Blue metallic, Marina Bay Blue metallic, Donnington Grey metallic, Barcelona Blue metallic and Motegi Red metallic. Individual colors include Dravit Grey metallic, Almandin Brown II metallic, Aventurin Red metallic and Frozen Bluestone metallic.

An optional M Carbon package replaces kidney grille surrounds, mirror caps, side gills, rear spoiler and rear diffuser sections with carbon fiber components for a more motorsports oriented appearance.